Teammates of Nikolaj Ehlers are making it clear they want him to remain with the Winnipeg Jets.
Ehlers is due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He was not present for the Jets` season-ending media availability because he is currently representing Denmark at the IIHF Men`s World Hockey Championship. Despite his absence, his fellow players didn`t hesitate to share their thoughts on keeping him in Winnipeg.
Forward Vladislav Namestnikov told reporters, “I love Nikky and hope he stays, but that`s the business side of it and out of my control. Everything else isn`t up to me but I would love him to stay, but like I said, it isn`t up to me.”
Assistant captain Josh Morrissey had nothing but praise for Ehlers.
Morrissey commented, “Those things are out of my control but certainly, I`ve played with Nikky for nine years now, he`s a fantastic teammate, fantastic player, fantastic guy.”
Jets winger Kyle Connor also echoed his teammates` sentiments regarding Ehlers` importance to the team.
Connor stated, “He`s huge, he`s obviously one of our best players and he carries the play so much when he`s on the ice and is a big part of our power play. He`s a huge piece for us and he`s big in the locker room too. He`s got a big voice in here.”
Ehlers was originally drafted ninth overall by the Jets in 2014 and has played his entire 10-season NHL career with the franchise. This past season, the 29-year-old contributed 24 goals and 39 assists for a total of 63 points. The 2024-2025 campaign marked the conclusion of the seven-year, $42 million contract he signed with Winnipeg in 2017.